The dental practice in Franklin Square was one of nine offices that participated in the Gaston County Dental Society’s “Give Kids a Smile Day.”

Offices were closed to the public while nearly 140 Gaston County school children road in on buses.

Children got anything from cleanings and fluoride treatments to fillings, extractions and crowns.

Six-year-old Hannah from Catawba Heights Elementary School showed no fear when climbing into the dentist chair.

The bright-eyed, brown-haired girl flashed her pearly whites after the cleaning when she got a reward – a pink heart painted on her hand. Volunteers offered face painting to the little patients. Hannah preferred hand adornment rather than cheek.

Children at Dentalworks also got to meet Mickey Mouse and the Tooth Fairy and watch a puppet show.

The Dental Association paid for transportation, and office personnel volunteered their time. Neither schools nor parents paid for the services.

This year, dental assistant students from Highland Technical School took part in the event.

Patients came from nine elementary schools.

This year marked the largest number of students treated through the program, topping the previous record of 84.

Students were screened prior to the four-hour clinic.

“This one day of volunteer work takes many weeks of planning, and the dental society is proud to be able to offer their services to the community,” said Lynn Cook, public health dental hygienist.